Equifax vs Experian vs Illion Score Australia: What's the Difference?

Quick Answer: Australia has three credit reporting bodies — Equifax (formerly Veda), Experian, and illion (formerly Dun & Bradstreet). Each maintains an independent credit file and calculates scores on different scales. You can have three different scores simultaneously. Lenders typically access one or two bureaus — major banks favour Equifax; non-bank lenders often use Experian or illion. A default or listing on one bureau may not appear on the others — which is why checking all three is essential before any major finance application.

Most Australians assume they have one credit score. They don't. They have three — and each can tell a completely different story about their creditworthiness.

This isn't a flaw in the system. It's the result of three independent credit reporting bodies operating in Australia, each with their own data sources, scoring models, and lender relationships. Understanding the differences can save you from nasty surprises when you apply for finance.

Australia's Three Credit Bureaus: Side-by-Side Comparison

Equifax Score Bands (0–1,200)

Experian Score Bands (0–1,000)

Why Your Three Scores Can Be Different

Different data sources. Not all creditors report to all three bureaus. Your telco might report to illion but not Experian. Your bank reports to Equifax. A default from a utility company might only appear on your illion file.

Different scoring models. Each bureau has its own algorithm for converting credit history into a score. The same underlying data can produce different scores under different models.

Different update timing. Bureaus update at different intervals. A payment made last week might appear on one bureau's file before another's.

Which Bureau Does My Lender Use?

You generally can't know for certain without asking — and lenders don't always disclose it. As a guide:

• Home loan applications: Most major banks and mortgage lenders use Equifax as the primary bureau
• Personal loans and car finance: Experian is commonly used by non-bank lenders and fintechs
• Telco and utility accounts: illion is used by most telcos and energy providers
• Some lenders use two or all three: A major bank home loan assessment may check Equifax and illion

Why Checking All Three Matters for Credit Repair

A default that appears on one bureau may not appear on the others. Conversely, a successful dispute that removes a listing from Equifax doesn't automatically remove it from illion or Experian — those are separate processes.

ACS checks all three bureaus as standard practice when assessing a client's file. This ensures no listing is missed and that successful disputes are confirmed across all relevant bureaus.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get my Equifax, Experian, and illion reports for free? Yes. Under Australian law, you're entitled to one free credit report per year from each bureau. You can also request free reports when you've been declined for credit. The URLs are equifax.com.au, experian.com.au, and creditreport.com.au.

If I have a default on one bureau only, does it affect my home loan application? It depends on which bureau your lender uses. If they use Equifax and your default is only on illion, they may not see it. This is why knowing which bureau your lender uses matters — and why ACS checks all three.

Can a default be removed from one bureau but stay on another? Yes. Disputes are lodged with the specific creditor, who then instructs each bureau to remove the listing. ACS confirms removal across all bureaus that hold the listing. If the creditor reports to multiple bureaus, removal should cover all of them — but this is verified as part of the process.

Which credit score is most important in Australia? For home loans: Equifax. For general credit: depends on the lender. For telco-related issues: illion. The safest approach is to treat all three as important and ensure no adverse listings exist on any of them before a major application.

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Australian Credit Solutions Pty Ltd holds Australian Credit Licence ACL 532003. Credit repair services are subject to individual assessment. Results may vary. This article provides general information only and does not constitute legal or financial advice.